NFL Week 1 Betting Results: New Quarterbacks Struggle Against the Spread

NFL Week 1 Betting Results: New Quarterbacks Struggle Against the Spread article feature image

Quarterback is already an extremely difficult position to play, nevermind the learning curve for those needing to get familiar with new teammates, systems and playbooks when joining new teams between seasons.

This was even more difficult this season considering the lack of practice time and preseason games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five teams (the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots) rolled out quarterbacks new to their franchises in Week 1, and the betting results were not great.

Please note that I'm looking solely at teams with quarterbacks new to the franchise, not new starting quarterbacks. For example, Tyrod Taylor started his first game for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but he was with the team last season backing up Philip Rivers, meaning he was already familiar with the offense and personnel surrounding him.


NFL Week 1 Betting Results

Based on closing lines from DraftKings Sportsbook, Teddy Bridgewater, Rivers, Joe Burrow and Tom Brady each failed to cover the spread in Week 1.

The one team that did cover with a new quarterback? You guessed it … the New England Patriots with Cam Newton under center.

This does not mean that bettors should run out and bet against these quarterbacks again in Week 2, but in a very small sample is an interesting nugget regarding how a shortened offseason could be affecting teams (and new signal-callers) early in the 2020 season.

Visit our NFL Live Odds page to see real-time odds for every NFL Week 2 matchup, including the market's reaction to a poor opening week for new quarterbacks.

[Bet now at DraftKings and get a $1,000 sign-up bonus.]

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